Raising local property taxes could become harder in Florida. A proposal begins moving forward.

TALLAHASSEE — City and county boards would face a higher threshold for approving property-tax hikes, under a proposal that started moving forward Monday in the Legislature.

In a 15-7 vote, the House Ways & Means Committee backed a bill (HB 1195) that would require two-thirds votes by city, county and special district governing boards to approve increases in millage rates, which represent dollars assessed per $1,000 in property value.

“I think this bill strikes a nice balance between allowing local governments the ability to get the revenue necessary to provide core services, but also making it clear that if you’re going to raise the property taxes you better have a darn good reason,” House bill sponsor Sam Garrison, R-Fleming Island, said.

Rep. Jeff Holcomb, R-Spring Hill, expressed reservations about the measure “taking powers away from a duly elected official” but voted for the bill.